Daycare Worker Charged with Assaulting Seven Children in Conover

4:19 PM EST |February 3, 2025|Lauren Ramsey|Crime, News Articles, People

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network

Catawba County, NC (WNN)-A former daycare worker at Woodlawn Baptist Child Development Center in Conover, North Carolina, faces eight counts of assault on a child under the age of four. The accused, 29-year-old Kaleigh Gambill, was a teacher for the two-year-old classroom at the center.

Authorities launched an investigation after a complaint was filed against Gambill, alleging mistreatment of children under her care. The allegations have since led to her arrest and formal charges.

Mugshot of Kaleigh Gambill 1/31/2025. Photo by Catawba County NC Sheriff’s Office

Discovery of Alleged Abuse

In December, the North Carolina Division of Child Development received a complaint about possible abuse at the daycare. Church officials reviewed two weeks of surveillance footage from classroom cameras, which reportedly showed multiple instances of inappropriate physical contact with children. Gambill was immediately terminated, and the video evidence was provided to law enforcement.

Woodlawn Baptist Church Pastor Tim Jernigan told WSOC-TV that he found the videos deeply disturbing and concerning. He emphasized that the church is fully committed to ensuring the safety of the children and took immediate action to eliminate any further risk.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

After a police investigation, authorities charged Gambill with eight counts of assault involving seven children. She was arrested and later released after posting an $80,000 bond.

Gambill appeared in court on Monday, February 3, 2025, where she faced the charges against her. The warrants accused Gambill of picking up children by the arm, striking some of the students with an open hand multiple times, grabbing a victim’s ankle, and slamming it against the floor several times.

In at least one of the cases, the court documents said she “placed the victim on the ground forcefully.” These are misdemeanor charges, not felony charges.

Child Abuse Misdemeanor Charges

Gambill is likely charged with a class A1 misdemeanor under NCGS 14-318.2. This statute deals with parental and caregiver abuse. A class A1 misdemeanor carries fines at the court’s discretion with up to 150 days in jail. Additionally, this may come with probation and community service. Due to the multiple charge counts Gambill may face a heavier sentencing if found guilty.

Church Addresses Allegations

Woodlawn Baptist Church sent a letter to parents informing them of the allegations, describing concerns about a teacher’s rough interactions with children. The church also asked for prayers for the families involved as they navigate the situation.

During the Sunday morning service on February 2nd, 2025, Pastor Tim Jernigan addressed the congregation about the incident, expressing his deep concern over what he discovered and reaffirming the church’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the children in their care.

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